5 JUNE 2015: Dreamland Margate, the UK’s original pleasure park will re-open its doors at 10am Friday 19 June 2015, marking phase one of the redevelopment of the park.
Although work to the timber-framed structure is near completion, the Scenic Railway will not open on 19 June due to continuing restoration to the trains.All other rides and attractions due for phase one will be open as planned.Existing ticket holders to Dreamland have been informed about the Scenic Railway and offered a free return visit to the Park at a date of their choosing. The timber-framed Scenic Railway first opened in the 1920’s. It is the UK’s oldest rollercoaster and the only Grade ll* listed rollercoaster in the world. Thanet District Council has contracted some of the UK’s leading specialists to oversee its restoration – their task is to protect the valuable heritage of the ride whilst bringing this up to the modern day.Leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Chris Wells said: “Meticulous efforts are being made to create an authentic experience for visitors, in keeping with the original 1920’s design of the ride.“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of contractors, the finishing touches are now being made to the timber framed structure and restoration of the trains is now well underway. We recognise that this is no easy task and appreciate delays can be unforeseeable with this type of project.“I know it is disappointing the Scenic Railway will not be opening for rides on 19 June, we are confident that our commitment to the protection of its heritage will offer the best possible experience for visitors.”CEO of Dreamland Eddie Kemsley, said: “All other attractions due to open as part of phase one, are on track for 19 June. This launch represents a considerable achievement in bringing Dreamland to life once again and everyone in Margate and involved in the project should be very proud. The opening night Hullabaloo party with special guest performances from Marina and the Diamonds and Chas and Dave is going to be fantastic and a great way to mark the start of Dreamland’s new future. Tickets to the opening night are almost sold out.”Phase one includes 17 restored rides, as well as the roller disco, pleasure gardens, restaurants, food stalls, arcades and amusements from the golden age of the British seaside.The second phase, scheduled for later in 2015 will include the Ballroom, outdoor event space, restaurant café, and dance studio. In 2016 the Hall By The Sea and the Buffet Building will be opened.Dreamland’s phase one opening will create over 200 jobs to the local economy.The reopening has been made possible by the work of the Dreamland Trust and investment from Thanet District Council, Sands Heritage LTD, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Department for Culture Media and Sport and many local benefactors.
Full information about Dreamland including its opening night can be found on its website www.dreamland.co.uk.

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ABOUT DREAMLAND MARGATE The Dreamland site is owned by Thanet District Council. The council, working with The Dreamland Trust has secured a funding package of £18 million, which includes external funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Sea Change grant, to deliver the first phase of the project.The council boldly compulsory purchased the Dreamland site because it had the vision to see that once again Dreamland could be a major economic driver for the area. The council are managing the wider development of this massive multifaceted site of which the Dreamland Amusement Park is just one part.Sands Heritage Ltd. have been appointed by the council as the operators of the Dreamland Amusement Park and will open its door on 19 June 2015.The re-imagined Dreamland will be a world-class UK visitor attraction, providing entertainment for everyone through truly re-inventing the famous seaside amusement park experience.Working in partnership with Sands Heritage Limited and Thanet District Council award winning multi-disciplinary designers HemingwayDesign led by Wayne Hemingway MBE, Gerardine Hemingway MBE and Jack Hemingway have been appointed to deliver the look, feel, smell, taste and sound of a re-imagined Dreamland. The new Dreamland will be a unique vintage-style amusement park with rides, classic side shows, eateries and evocative spaces set within a landscape capable of hosting national festivals, major events and visiting attractions.The Dreamland project plays a significant role in community engagement, education, training, sustainable employment and boosting the local economy. It is also a major component in the continued regeneration of Margate, spearheaded by Turner Contemporary in 2011.

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